Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

Packard V8,

LOL! The Champion situation is sad. My dad used their plugs for years as a mechanic and they were always great.

Then, something bad happened. We don't need to go into that here, though.

I'd like to hear more on experiences with Heat Ranges and various plugs in the straight 8 engines. Power, gas mileage, and fouling are the three most valuable things to know about.

I'm putting in my R45 plugs (with the rings) as soon as it stops raining (it'll probably be snowing by then) and post what happens. I figger the last owner bought two sets of them because he was happy with how they worked.

I have no idea how to tell if my "wiring" is Resistor or not, though.

BTW, I'll use the rings! (The last owner did not, and I had one plug creep loose on it since I had it.)

what is wrong with living in 1965?

Quote:

(Nothing, except I wouldn't have my driver's license for another 8 years.)

Just for fun, I found an online X-reference for spark plugs and got the cross for the ONLY plug listed in the Shop Manual for my '54 Clipper 327: Champion J8

At the top of the list was AC Delco 45

So, other than "R" or no "R" I guess I'll quit worrying about it and put the same kind of plug in as the ones that were there when I bought it.

Notice, the cross ref wasn't for an "R" 45, so I guess the J8 was not a resistor type plug?
Now, how do I tell again if I've got "resistor" wiring???

(Own Dyneto seemed to have some expertise on this, but nothing on identifying the wiring as resistor or non-resistor)

The suggested Gap in the shop manual is .023-.028. Should I shoot for the wider or narrower initial gap, or doesn't it make much difference?

My seat-of-the-pants rule of thumb is to set for narrowest initially, as the gap will naturally tend to widen (unless there's fouling) as the plug is used.


I don't know if this X-ref will kindle warmth in anyone's heart, but here's a link:

sparkplug-crossreference.com/

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT!

Others on this fine site probably have much more expertise when it comes to spark plugs for Packards.